Sumbrungu gets craft centre
A GH¢ 76,000 crafts centre that will support women basket weavers has been inaugurated at Sumbrungu, a suburb of Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.
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The facility was provided by TradeAid Integrated, with support from the Canadian Feed The Children (CFTC), both non-governmental organisations.
The facility will also provide a conducive environment that would enable the women to increase their production and earn more income.
Inauguration
Inaugurating the facility, the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Edward Ayagle, observed that the baskets produced by the women were of good quality but they were unable to penetrate the international market due to the flooding of the market with cheap and inferior baskets products from countries in South East Asia.
He stated that the government, through the municipal assembly, however, was doing everything possible to support the women to market their products internationally.
Symbol of unity
A Board Member of TradeAid, Mr Daniel Damka, advised the beneficiaries to take good care of the facility, adding, "this centre should be used as a symbol of unity in fighting against poverty".
He noted that the economic fortunes of the area could improve significantly if residents, particularly women in the area, would encourage one another to use the facility to improve on the living conditions of people in the area.
The CFTC Country Representative, Mr Edward Akapire, entreated the women to take advantage of the facility and improve on their skills to enable them to adequately support their families.
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He also advised them to invest in their children's education to break the vicious circle of poverty and set aside some proceeds from the sale of the baskets for the maintenance of the facility.
The Vice-President of CFTC Programmes, Madam Jean Lowry, observed that the provision of the facility was in line with the CFTC's vision to enhance the survival of children, adding, "We believe in a world where children thrive, and that is why we are doing this for you women."
Women's leader
The Leader of the Sumbrungu Basket Weavers Group, Madam Rose Akambire, thanked the donors for the facility and expressed optimism that the facility would ultimately help increase basket production in the area.
She noted that in the past, the women produced the baskets in the scorching sun which slowed down weaving, adding that whenever it rained they were compelled to stop weaving.
"In fact this facility will encourage us to learn new skills in weaving baskets thereby enhancing the quality of our products," Madam Akambire added.
Fair trade
A leader of the International Citizenship Service (ICS), Mr Noah Bukari, announced that Bolgatanga, the second municipality in Africa to gain a Fair Trade Town status, will organise annual craft fairs. He said this year’s event was scheduled to take place in the municipality in November, as part of efforts to showcase the area’s potentials in the arts and crafts industry.
Touching on the benefits of acquiring a Fair Trade Town status, Mr Bukari said it would boost economic activities in the municipality and enhance its chances of gaining international recognition.